Oscar Daniel Hannibal
January 4, 1940 – June 29, 2024
Oscar Daniel Hannibal, a beloved husband, father, and dedicated servant to his country and church, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at the age of 84 in Jonesboro.
Born on January 4, 1940, near Texarkana, Arkansas, Oscar was one of four children born to his father and had two half-brothers and one half-sister. Oscar’s incredible life began on a farm in rural Arkansas by the Red River, but his experiences took him around the world. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam, and retired after 25 years of distinguished service.
It was during a refueling stopover in Terceira, Azores, that he met the love of his life. Oscar and Mary married when he was 23 and she was 16, embarking on a journey together that would span more than six decades. Together, they were blessed with four children: three boys and one girl, as well as five grandchildren, who were the center of their world.
After his military service, Oscar pursued further education at Louisiana Tech, earning a degree in Construction Engineering. His professional life included several fulfilling jobs in Louisiana, including his own construction and electrical contracting company, from which he eventually retired for a second time.
Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Oscar continued to reinvent himself, pursuing his calling to become a deacon and then serving his local Catholic Church and the community.
An avid outdoorsman, Oscar found joy in fishing and just being in nature. His adventurous spirit and curiosity kept him constantly exploring the world around him and endeared him to all who knew him. He was always game for anything anyone wanted to do. In his sunset years, he enjoyed many hours walking and feeding the ducks at Lincoln Parish Park. A vibrant source of happiness and positivity, he was always joking and ready with a smile and a kind word.
Oscar’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Mary, of Ruston; their four children, Jeff Hannibal and wife Jacquie of Seattle, Dwain Hannibal and wife Jen of Portland, Mark Hannibal of New Orleans, and Anna Baines and husband Johnathan of Ruston; and their five grandchildren: Zach Hannibal and wife Kori of Orange, California, Becky Hannibal of Ruston, and Elena, Caedmon, and Jace Baines of Ruston. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial Mass to honor Oscar’s life will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Friday, August 23 at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Life reception to follow across the street at the Luffey Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lincoln Parish Park.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
